Preliminary survey on the occurrence of microplastics in bivalve mollusks marketed in Apulian fish markets

Microplastics (MPs) are a relevant threat to food safety because they are ingested by humans through various foods. Bivalves are at high risk of microplastic contamination due to their filter-feeding mechanism and pose a risk to consumers as they are ingested whole. In this work, microplastics were detected, quantified, identified, and classified in samples of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and oysters (Crassostrea gigas) marketed in the Apulia region. The total number of plastic debris was 789 particles in the mussel samples and 270 particles in the oyster samples, with size ranging from 10 to 7350 µm. Fragments with size within the category of 5-500 µm were the predominant findings in both species, with blue as the predominant color in mussels and transparent in oysters; most of the debris was polyamide and nylon polymers in the mussels and chlorinated polypropylene in the oysters. These results show that mussel and oyster samples purchased at fish markets are contaminated with microplastics. The sources may be diverse and further studies are needed to assess the impact of the marketing stage on microplastic contamination in bivalves to better define the human risk assessment associated with microplastic exposure from bivalves consumption

Verocytotoxin-Producing Escherichia coli O26 in raw water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) milk products in Italy

Escherichia coli 026 is known as a verocytotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC) organism that causes severe foodborne diseases such as hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Although cattle are the most important reservoir of VTEC, only a few reports on the role of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) as a reservoir of VTEC and on the presence of these organisms in their milk are available. However, in Southern Italy, where water buffalo are intensively reared, an outbreak of hemolytic uremic syndrome due to E. coli 026 has recently been reported, in which the consumption of typical dairy products was considered to be a common risk factor. The aims of this work were to assess the prevalence of E. coli 026 in raw water buffalo milk, to characterize the virulence gene profiles of the isolates, and to evaluate their phenotypic antimicrobial resistance pattern. Of 160 analyzed samples, 1 (0.6%) tested positive for E. coli 026, and the isolate showed the stx1+ lstx2+leae-lhlyA+ genotypic profile. The strain showed resistance against glycopeptides, macrolides, and penicillins. The presence of VTEC organisms in raw water buffalo milk could be considered to be a potential threat to consumers; however, the strict adherence to the processes used in the preparation of the most common buffalo dairy products could strongly mitigate the foodborne risk. To our knowledge, this article reports the first isolation and characterization of E. coli 026 VTEC in raw water buffalo milk. Copyright ©, International Association for Food Protectio

Occurrence of Helicobacter pullorum in Retail Chicken Meat: A One-Health Approach to Consumer Health Protection

Helicobacter pullorum is an emerging foodborne pathogen that commonly colonizes the gastrointestinal tract of poultry, causing gastroenteritis. It has been related to several clinically important infections, including colitis and hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, recurrent diarrhea, and bacteremia in the human population. The bacterium may be transmitted to humans through undercooked poultry meat. In order to investigate the occurrence of H. pullorum in raw retail chicken meat (thighs and breasts), we analyzed 240 samples: 120 chicken thigh and 120 chicken breast samples. The samples were analyzed by means of an isolation protocol using Steele and McDermott’s modified filtration technique on Brucella agar supplemented with 5% of defibrinated sheep’s blood. The presumptive colonies were biochemically identified and analyzed using a previously described conventional PCR test based on the 16S rRNA gene. In total, 35% of analyzed samples were positive using the microbiological protocol and 45% were positive by PCR. These results suggest that H. pullorum can be transmitted to humans through the handling and consumption of raw poultry meat, representing a risk for food business operators and consumers. Efforts to control H. pullorum in broiler meat should prioritize the implementation of stringent hygienic practices across all stages of the food chain, from the farm to the consumer

Occurrence and Characterization of Microplastics in Commercial Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from Apulia Region (Italy)

Microplastics are a ubiquitous pollutant whose spreading is a growing concern worldwide. They can pose a threat to food safety and consumer health as they are ingested through various foods. Bivalves are considered the most contaminated, as they filter large amounts of seawater and enter consumers’ diet ingested whole. The aim of this study was to detect, quantify, identify and classify microplastics in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) marketed in fishery stores in Bari and its surroundings (Apulia, Italy). A total of 5077 particles were isolated from our samples, with an average value of 1.59 ± 0.95 MPs/g and 6.51 ± 4.32 MPs/individual. Blue fragments, sized 10–500 μm, were the prevalent findings; most of them belonged to Polyamide (PA) polymers. The results of this study help to show that mussels represent a source of microplastics for consumers and a direct risk to their health, even considering that they may contain many chemical compounds and microorganisms that may or may not be pathogenic to humans. Further research is needed to assess the role of commercialization in bivalve molluscs contamination